California regulators have unveiled a roadmap that would let consumers begin using self-driving cars.
But manufacturers would have to prove the emerging technology is safe before a licensed driver could get chauffeured around town.
The approach California's Department of Motor Vehicles offered on Wednesday in precedent-setting draft regulations is cautious, though it does allow that Californians could be behind the wheel of a self-driving car by 2017.
Among other safety-related requirements, the cars must have a steering wheel, and a licensed driver must be ready to take over if the machine fails.
Google, which is pushing to get cars without a steering wheel or pedals to consumers, expressed "grave disappointment" with the rules, which the tech giant said would slow deployment of technology with huge life-saving potential.
Though no manufacturer has said it thinks the cars are ready just yet, at least a dozen are developing the technology. Google has suggested a model could be ready for limited use sooner than the public expects.
In September, the safety chief of its self-driving car project, Ron Medford, said the technology is "close to working pretty damn well".
Under California's framework, manufacturers would receive a permit for three years, during which time consumers could lease the cars but manufacturers would be required to keep tabs on how safely they are driving and report that performance to the state.
Drivers would need special, manufacturer-provided training, then get a special certification on their licenses. If a car breaks the law, the driver would be responsible.
Google spokesman Johnny Luu said the company was "gravely disappointed" by the draft regulations.
"Safety is our highest priority and primary motivator as we do this," he said in a written statement.
Share
